News

Based on the annual SNF Payment Rule released earlier this summer, new skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare rates for the third year of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) take effect on Oct. 1. The Oct. 1 rates include an inflation update of 1.2% based on a formula in existing law. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has suspended the Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program for the upcoming rate year.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent an email to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) users requesting information on vaccine access. This information is reported through the required weekly reporting for nursing homes on both the resident and staff vaccine reporting sections.

CMS recently issued QSO 21-20 NH, a one-paragraph memo that rescinds a July 2017 Memo (S&C 17-37-NH) from the CMS guidance library.

In the 2017 memo, CMS instructed CMS Regional Offices to impose civil monetary penalties for past noncompliance solely on a per-instance basis.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will share information on fiscal year 2022 skilled nursing facility payment policies during a Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care Open Door Forum next Thursday, Aug. 5, at 1-2 p.m.

Congress has begun developing a $3.5 trillion infrastructure investment package — so NOW is the moment to make sure U.S. Representatives and Senators hear our voices!

On behalf of members across the country, the LeadingAge national team has submitted comments to CMS on the recently-issued rule requiring nursing homes to offer COVID-19 vaccine to residents and staff, to educate residents and staff regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine, and to report COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics treatment information to NSHN.

Many skilled nursing facilities are planning ahead and transitioning caregivers and Basic Care Aides into Registered Nursing Assistant positions. The 1135 Waiver and corresponding MDH approvals that allow nursing assistants to work without being on the Registry still apply. However, there is growing concern amongst members on making the transition in advance of the waiver discontinuing.

LeadingAge National's LTSS Center @UMass Boston released a report titled Feeling Valued Because They Are Valued, describing “a vision for professionalizing the caregiving workforce in the field of long-term services and supports.”

Our team has created a new resource to support assisted living facilities with understanding and implementing the emergency preparedness requirements contained in the so-called "Appendix Z."

CMS has extended a regulatory flexibility relating to emergency preparedness exercises.

Under CMS regulations, nursing facilities are required to conduct two emergency preparedness testing exercises annually – with exercises alternating between full-scale functional exercises and exercises of choice (mock drill, table-top exercise, workshop).

The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on June 10 issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus.

With the start of tornado, wildfire, and flood season, HUD has reminded subsidized housing communities of their responsibilities for both properties and residents in the event of a disaster.

Please join LeadingAge on Thursday, June 10 at 1 p.m. CT for a conversation about preserving pre-1974 Section 202 Direct Loan affordable senior housing communities. Nationally, there are more than 10,000 pre-1974 Section 202 Direct Loan apartments.

With CMS announcing that it will make public vaccination rate data submitted by nursing homes to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network, it reminds us of the need for providers to ensure accurate data reporting.

Last week’s HUD and HHS announced a joint effort to increase vaccine access at HUD-assisted communities. Yesterday, the Department announced it is hosting COVID-19 webinars focusing on housing and health partnerships, the COVID-19 vaccine, and community health workers.

On Thursday, HUD provided more information about their June restart to physical inspections for both regular UPCS and NSPIRE demonstration properties, including an FAQ document, a flyer for residents, a memo to property owners, and an inspector notice. HUD has also informed us that they are working on several translations for the resident flyer.

On April 27, President Biden issued an Executive Order to increase the federal minimum wage for employees of federal contractors to $15 per hour.

On April 23, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge announced that HUD will substantially increase housing inspections for Multifamily Housing communities and Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) during the public health emergency, including properties participating in the NSPIRE demonstration program, beginning June 1. The restarted inspections will temporarily provide properties with 28 days advance notice instead of the regular 14-day notice.

As we reported earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued memorandum QSO-21-15-ALL providing updated guidance (Appendix Z) for all providers covered by the federal Emergency Preparedness requirements.

On April 15, HUD updated the Frequently Asked Questions associated with the Section 202 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), applications for which are due May 26. Based on the questions submitted, HUD has updated the FAQs. The new update includes questions on Opportunity Zones, FHA-insured financing in the development of projects, Environmental Review contacts, Appraisals, Physical Design, and Income Restrictions. The new questions are numbered 4, 16, 17, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 61 in this updated FAQ on the 202 NOFA website.